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Filiae maestae Jerusalem, RV638

Introduction

Around 1715 Vivaldi composed for the Pietà two introductory motets, presumably designed as alternatives to one another, for a setting of the ‘Miserere’, a psalm sung during Holy Week. One is the affecting Filiae maestae Jerusalem, RV638, for alto. The ‘Daughters of Jerusalem’ are, of course, a metaphor for the figlie di coro themselves. In the opening accompanied recitative the singer is called upon to bewail the crucified Christ. The text of the following aria is saturated with Arcadian imagery—wafting breezes, rippling brooks and so forth. Even though the poetic sense is that these rustic delights have to be foregone in the week of the Passion, Vivaldi cannot resist a few dabs of word-painting that imply the opposite. The introduzione closes with a second recitative, initially accompanied. The last word of the text—‘Miserere’—is a cue for the psalm to follow. It is a great shame that this latter work, very likely by Vivaldi himself, is lost.

Recordings

'Utterly beguiling pieces of music, impossible to dislike and easy to be beguiled by' (Gramophone)'Altogether a first-class collection, and excellently recorded' (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)» More

'For King's sterling service to the Vivaldian cause, one of his most important recording and satisfying projects to date, I am thankful' (Gramophone)'If you're waiting for the perfect collection of Vivaldi's sacred music, this is it. It was a happy day when this beautiful boxed set arrived in my m ...» More

Mournful daughters of Jerusalem, behold the King of all, your King wounded and crowned with thorns; to clear the stains of sin he was made the King of sorrows. Behold he loses his life On the harsh cross; behold, see, and grieve not for the cross, but rather for us; let no one blame your tears, no, let all irrational beings grieve with you and all creation mourn.

But with shadows spread the sun is darkened, and the veil is torn, the very rocks are broken, and does not the force of grief break our hearts? But while we cannot grieve enough, you, good Jesus, have mercy on us.